Goodland Florida: Maritime Village Near Naples & Marco

Naples, Florida has a well-deserved reputation as a playground for well-to-do residents and guests. Nearby Marco Island offers an inviting blend of urban attractions and some of Mother Nature's most magnificent natural treasures.

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During my recent visit to the southwest corner of Florida, I also fell in love with a nearby tiny enclave (about one-third square mile in size) which is home to an estimated maximum of 300 people.

For starters, Goodland resembles an island, being almost entirely surrounded by water. Goodland Bay is to the north, Coon Key Pass to the east, Blue Hill Creek on the south and an inlet of that stream separates its western boundary from forested wetlands that are within the limits of Marco Island.

This miniscule picturesque waterfront village offers a surprising treasure trove of secrets waiting discovery. The tranquil setting provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its charming narrow lanes lead past unassuming cottages. Several seafood restaurants and modest eateries, and working boats resting at anchor just offshore, hint of a history that dates back centuries.

Adding to the appeal is the fact that this compact community is virtually flat. That's not surprising in a state where the highest point of land is Britton Hill, a rise in Florida's northwestern panhandle, has an elevation of only 345 feet above sea level. That's lower than many city skyscrapers. Goodland is welcoming to slow strollers, and those who walk with assistance or roll in a wheelchair. They also have access to accessible places to eat and to the few sights that await discovery.

The original inhabitants were Calusa Indians, who subsisted on the abundant seafood and natural resources of the area. In the late 1800s, a fishing village emerged and seeking food from the sea became the major industry. Today, the town retains its strong ties to its maritime heritage and its residents cling proudly, and stubbornly, to their way of life and resist major changes to the setting and its laid-back vibe.

The surrounding waters teem with a variety of fish species. Charter boats are available which are captained by guides who know how, where and when to find productive catches.

Those who prefer to watch wildlife on land may venture into the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It sprawls over 35,000 acres of fresh and salt water habitat, tidal creek, marsh, hardwood hammock and mangrove forest, and is home to some 200 species of fish, dolphin and manatees, birds and innumerable types of plant life. Rental boats and kayaks allow visitors to get up close and personal with those residents.

Interactions with animals change with the seasons. In summer, thousands of water birds roost on the coastal islands., and loggerhead sea turtles drag themselves onto refuge beaches to nest. Manatees feed in the estuary and find shelter there during the cold winter months, as waterfowl forage in the marshes and bald eagles soar over the open water searching for a meal.

Scenic nature trails are perfect for walking, jogging and biking. Longer hikes lead through pristine mangrove forests at the nearby Marco Island Nature Preserve.

When it comes to dining, it's no surprise that seafood is king. Goodland is prized by both residents and visitors for its fresh catches from surrounding waters, and they're prepared in a variety of ways.

After being introduced to Stan's Idle Hour, a sprawling, quirky waterfront restaurant, bar and live music venue, I returned there whenever I was in the area. Stan's is one reason that, while Goodland is a small town, it has a reputation as a village which knows how to throw a party. Throughout the year, the community hosts a variety of events, fishing tournaments and festivals that celebrate its history, local culture, and love for all things seafood.

One of the most popular of these bashes is the annual Mullet Festival, which takes place every January. This lively event features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and, of course, plenty of mullet - twin dorsal-finned fish that typically are prepared smoked or fried.

The festival attracts people from near and far for a celebration off fun, music, dancing and, of course fresh-caught fish. A highlight is the Buzzard Slope Song, to which people swing and sway as they depict the strange movements made by trash-scavenging buzzards as they hover over road kill before landing to devour it. The lyrics instruct participants to "Flap your wings up and down, take steps around and round."

As each day draws to a close, Goodland is the site of a very different kind of show. The town, offshore waters and Ten Thousand Islands setting provide a picturesque backdrop for spectacular sunsets, as red-gold hues play across the landscape and seascape.

While automobiles and motorcycles jam the parking lot of Stan's Idle Hour at times, another popular mode of transportation is golf carts. People of all ages putt-putt around in these slow-moving vehicles, some of which are decorated with flowers, pennants of favorite sports teams and other adornments. Adding to the whimsy are mail boxes in front of a number of houses in the shape of fish, manatees, flamingos and other wildlife endemic to the area.

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Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background and expertise.